Easy Crispy Air Fryer Tofu with Soy Maple Marinade (Print version)

Crispy air fryer tofu cubes tossed in a savory soy maple marinade with garlic, ginger, sesame, and golden edges.

# Ingredients:

For the tofu

01 - 1 (14-16 oz / 400-450 g) block extra-firm tofu

02 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch

03 - Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon neutral oil

04 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for serving

05 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for serving

For the soy maple marinade

06 - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

07 - 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

10 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced

11 - 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger

12 - 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce, optional

13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and set it on a plate. Place a heavy skillet or a few cans on top and press for 15-30 minutes. Pat dry after pressing.

02 - Whisk soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the marinade into a small dish and reserve it for finishing.

03 - Cut the tofu into 3/4-inch cubes. Add to the bowl with the marinade and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes, stirring once so the cubes absorb the sauce evenly.

04 - Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss gently until the cubes have a thin, even coating. If the bowl looks very wet, let the tofu sit for 1 minute before cooking.

05 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if your model needs it. Mist the basket with cooking spray, add tofu in a single layer, and air fry for 14-16 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through and cook until golden and crisp at the edges.

06 - Toss the hot tofu with the reserved marinade, scallions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, salad, or vegetables.

# Good to know:

01 - Use extra-firm tofu for the crispiest texture.

02 - Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small.

03 - Best served right after air frying.

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